The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is ramping up efforts to protect consumers in Central Luzon.
The agency cites stricter price monitoring, local government coordination, and online complaints system.
Edna Dizon, director of DTI Central Luzon (DTI-3), said the agency regulates prices and standards, particularly for basic commodities.
She also cited the role of Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) in monitoring market prices.
Under the Price Act (RA 7581), LGUs are required to establish LPCCs.
DTI Region 3 said that some 131 out of the 137 LGUs in Central Luzon are already compliant with the price act.
“These councils include various agencies to monitor the prices of basic commodities, especially in public markets,” Dizon said.
She added that DTI also collaborates with the agricultural sector to stabilize the prices of essential goods such as rice.
Dizon said the agency wants to ensure business compliance with product standards and resolves consumer complaints through mediation and adjudication.
The DTI official reported a 100% resolution rate for consumer complaints in 2023 and 2024.
Dizon said they launched the Philippine Online Dispute Resolution System (PODRS), enabling consumers to file complaints online.
“In line with the government’s digitization efforts, we now have PODRS for handling consumer complaints online,” she said.
She said 220 complaints have been resolved through the system this year.